Aeolus laser shines light on wind

05 September 2018

Following the launch of Aeolus on 22 August, this extraordinary satellite's instrument has been turned on and is now emitting pulses of ultraviolet light from its laser, which is fundamental to measuring Earth's wind. And, this remarkable mission has also already returned a tantalising glimpse of the data it will provide.

Lofted into space on a Vega rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana just two weeks ago, ESA's Earth Explorer Aeolus satellite has been designed to measure winds around the globe.